Fishermen’s perception of climate change - a study from Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Perceptions of fishermen on climate change were studied from two coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh during 2011. Fishermen were interviewed to know their perception on climate change over the last 20 years, impact of change in climatic parameters on their lives as well as on marine fisheries and on the adaptation measures required. All fishermen contacted believed that climate had changed in the last two decades. Wind was ranked as the parameter that had changed the most in the last two decades. Sea status was ranked as the most problematic to fishermen. Avenue for safe exit from villages and coastal protection structures in case of natural calamities were the highest scoring adaptation measures. Wind was found the most critical parameter affecting marine fishery and overfishing was identified as the biggest problem facing fisheries.